Author's Note – I forgot to say that this fic is AU…cause the Amanda pointed out that there are no malls in Oz…so yeah.

Disclaimer – Do I seriously need to say it? Alright, you asked. All characters belong to Gregory Maguire. (I think that's how you spell it, at least…)

Chapter Two

Glinda was dragging a 'reluctant' Elphaba behind her. Elphie did actually really want to go. She knew that her blonde of a best friend would spoil her beyond all measure, spending never-ending amounts of money on her.

When they reached the Oz Dust Shopping Mall, Elphaba stopped in her tracks and felt a colony of butterflies explode in her stomach. She had forgotten. All the students at Shiz University had grown accustomed to her verdigris, but the other Ozians hadn't. They still couldn't get over the fact that she was green.

Glinda noticed that her roommate had stopped walking. When she turned around, the look of fright and nervousness worried the blonde. Glinda knew exactly what was wrong by the way that Elphaba was looking at all the people on the other side of the clear glass doors. "Elphie? Come on, it'll be alright. I promise. If anyone stares, I'll make 'em stop…Kay?"

The taller girl loosened a little and laughed. "And how will you accomplish that, dear Glinda?"

The blonde's smile fell within a heartbeat. "I really have no idea…but I'd make them stop…no one messes with my Elphie. 'Specially that boyfriend of yours. What's his name? Oh yes…Fiyero. He can't mess with you either, got it?" Glinda was standing on her tiptoes and had her face pressed up against Elphaba's.

"Thank you, Mother. Yes, Mother," Elphaba said as she laughed. Maybe this wouldn't turn out so bad after all.

Once they were inside the mall, Glinda grabbed Elphaba's green hand and pulled her into a dress store. The latter was suddenly captivated by a long, beaded black dress. She couldn't understand why, though. Oh Oz, I'm turning into Glinda!

The blonde noticed Elphaba's captivation. "You like it, Elphie?" Glinda asked softly, touching her arm. "Yes…" She breathed. "It's beautiful."

"Good, let's find one in your size, then." Glinda waved her hand in the air and instantly a store clerk came scurrying over.

"Can I help you find anything, Miss Glinda?" She asked, sounding overly helpful. Elphaba wasn't surprised that the clerk knew her roommate's name, because Glinda went shopping at least three times a week.

"Yes, Sabrina. I need this dress in Miss Elphaba's size." She gestured to the dress and then back to Elphaba.

Sabrina looked nothing but surprised when her eyes flickered over to the green Elphaba. Her eyes were a deep blue, reminding Elphaba painfully of her sister, Nessarose. She hesitated a moment, then said, "Do you know what size dress you wear, dear?"

"No idea."

"Alright, then. Let's try these two." She took two hangers off of the rack and handed them to Elphaba. "One is a four, one is a six. Try one on, come out to show us, and we'll decide which one fits best. The dressing rooms are around the corner at the end of the hallway." The brunette clerk smiled warmly, obviously over the fact that Elphaba was green.

Elphaba took the two dresses and went around the corner to put on the two dresses.

--

When she came out of the room, Glinda gasped. "Elphie! That looks so gorgeous on you!"

Elphaba blushed and looked down at the dress. "Do you really think it looks that good?"

"Yes, definitely. We'll take it," She said, turning to Sabrina. Pivoting back to look at Elphaba, she said, "Elphie, go put it back on the hanger and get dressed and come back out here so we can keep shopping."

The dress really did look remarkable on Elphaba. The black satin fell over her body and fitted the contours and curves perfectly. The light in the store reflected off the beads and sent little light rays bouncing off the walls. The fabric went all the way to her ankles, exposing only her feet. She decided that she needed a pair of shoes to go with the dress. The bodice was tightly fitted, the waist line low, sitting on her hips, and a strap that wound around the back of her neck.

When Glinda finished paying for the clothing, She went over to Elphaba and put her hand on the taller girl's shoulder, looking at her with great pride. "I'm so proud of you, Elphie. I never thought that you would let me take you shopping, let alone have a good time."

Elphaba merely smiled, took the bag that Glinda was holding, and walked with her head high out of the store. The small blonde grinned with delight and followed Elphie out of the store.